Ex-MPs lose expenses trial appeal

Jim Devine, David Chaytor and Elliot Morley are accused of fiddling their expenses

Three former Labour MPs accused of fiddling their expenses have lost their final bid to avoid criminal trials.

David Chaytor, Elliot Morley and Jim Devine, who deny theft by false accounting, took their cases to the highest court in the land, claiming any investigation into their expenses claims and the imposition of any sanctions "should lie within the hands of Parliament".

The Supreme Court ruled they were not protected by Parliamentary privilege.

They will now face separate trials at London's Southwark Crown Court - the first is due to begin on November 22.

Nine justices gave their decisions to avoid clashing with the criminal proceedings and will give their reasons for the ruling at a later date.